What does it actually look like from the director's chair? In this episode of Casting Confidential, Rose Rosen is joined by casting director Robin Carus and legendary director Sheldon Epps — whose credits span Frasier, Friends, Everybody Loves Raymond, Girlfriends, and two decades as Artistic Director of the Pasadena Playhouse — for a candid, insider conversation about how television and theater really function.

Sheldon breaks down the difference between stepping onto a long-running hit versus shaping a show from the ground up, how much say directors actually have in casting, and what separates an actor who books from one who doesn't. The panel also tackles the pressure of hit-making in not-for-profit theater, the chemistry factor in casting, and why the best auditions feel like collaboration rather than combat.

The episode closes with a live cold read and real-time feedback session with actor Jill Adler — a rare, practical look at how direction can transform a performance in real time.

Whether you're an actor, a director, or someone trying to understand how decisions are made on both sides of the table, this one is full of honest insight from people who have sat in every room.

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For more episodes and resources, visit castingconfidential.com.

CREDITS:

Host, Creator & Producer

Rose Rosen, CSA

@roserosencasting

GUESTS:

Sheldon Epps

Robin Carus

Editor

MZ Studios:

https://mzstudiosdallas.com

Original Music

Orville Wright

@ohyeahbeats:

https://instagram.com/ohyeahbeats

Artwork

Ace Anderson

@aceshotthat:

https://instagram.com/aceshotthat

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**Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment.

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63. What Directors Actually Want: Sheldon Epps on Casting, Comedy, and Running a Room